Post 9/11 Story: First Generation Palestinian American Growing Up in the Midwest

Posted: December 20th, 2018 by Zade Nabi Current Issues, Get Involved, Global Visitors

Zade Nabi is a first-generation descendant of Palestine. His mother was born and raised in Palestine and moved to the United States when she was in her mid-20’s. His father was born in Kuwait when Zade’s grandparents were emigrating from Palestine to flee the conflict in the area. He was born at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and raised in the suburbs of Florence, Kentucky. Growing up, Zade always saw himself as an influencer to the world around him. What he calls “being born in one world and raised in another” gave him diversity in his own community. These qualities are the driving forces of his desire to be an influential figure.

Through his involvement at the World Affairs Council, Zade has donated his time working with young students through our Global Classroom Program. Zade presented his home country of Palestine, highlighting the arts, literacy, food, music, and architecture. These face to face interactions allow students to benefit from a genuine connection to cultural diversity and inclusion.

The Roots

Inside the Dome of the Rock with my Niece

My mother and father were born outside of the United States, both having origins to Palestine and raised to dedicate their faith to Islam. I was born in the states, as a first-generation American, speaking Arabic and English, going to the Mosque every week for the Friday prayer, and attending an Islamic school on the weekends. Most of my life revolved around being a Muslim. Everywhere I went I always asked about my background and my religion. These were the first times I realized I was different from my community. I was a minority.

On September 11th, 2001, my life transitioned down a route I would be labeled for the duration of my life. I was six years old at the time, so I was still very young and ignorant to most of what was going on around me. As I entered middle school, I started to notice people treating me differently. My peers began making inappropriate comments towards me. “Your family did 9/11…he has a bomb in his backpack!”

I never understood why my classmates would say these things. I tended to just put on a front, acting as if their words didn’t matter to me. But I still didn’t understand. Why were my peers bashing on Muslims? Why did people cause the violence of 9/11? Why was I now a target?

An Influence

Outside the Church of Nativity with my family

I was not always interested in political science and history. Most of my life was, and still to this day is dedicated to the arts. I learned to play guitar in the 5th grade, was part of my high school’s Speech and Drama Team, joined an honors choir and was big into photography. The arts helped me realize that I was in fact born in one world and raised in another. After speaking about my life as a teenage Muslim in the 21st century America, sharing about my bilingual background, the negative portrayal the media has towards Muslims, and the comparison of the three out of the four monotheistic religions represented in the Temple Mount of Jerusalem, I received an award from the Kentucky Educational Speech and Drama Association. I was meant to share my personal story  to those who had very little understanding of what being Muslim is like in a post 9/11 world.

While continuing my education with a focus in photography and the arts, I felt that there was something missing regarding my future. I came to the realization that if I was going to pursue the arts then I would do so without having to go to school for it.

A New Path

Exploring Bethlehem’s museums learning about the history of Palestine and Israel in the form of Art

I moved home and continued my education at the University of Cincinnati (UC) studying Political Science and History. I was introduced to a new future. Daily in classes, we discussed topics about natural law, human rights, moral philosophy, political theory, public opinion, international affairs, war, and revolutions.

This academic experience gave me an excessive amount of knowledge which I greatly valued. Growing up in two different cultures, I knew there was more to the world. The way society operates; the different systems, the languages, and the history helped me engage in every subject with questions that sometimes didn’t have answers.  

Donating my time at the World Affairs Council has allowed me to take those initial first steps to become influential to the world around me. I have spoken to local high school students about my experiences, background, and successes. I attend programs and events that have helped me get to the places I desire for my future.

Onward

My experiences ignited my abilities to begin my journey as an influencer. I hope to graduate this December with opportunities to work with local, state, and federal government. Being able to pursue my passion outside boundaries, gave me a sense of who I am and what I represent. Every experience, be it good or bad, shaped my mind, ideas, and perspectives to have a role in this sovereign body. I cannot say I know for sure where my life is headed, only that I plan to make sure that the world we live in is one where open mindedness, rationality, and knowledge are the driving forces of humanity.